Hartley Miller's Slap Shots Sept. 11th, 2009

Friday, September 11, 2009 03:45 AM

Let's see if I have this picture clear in my mind.

Sports at UNBC, under the leadership of Athletics and Recreation Co-coordinator Len McNamara, rose to prominence during his eight ½-year tenure, and as a result, he received the “golden handshake” with a severance or buyout package.

I have accumulated enough life experiences to realize that UNBC’s Administration has every right to replace McNamara, or any other employee providing that the university meets all legal obligations and, of course, follows due process. However, am I the only one asking WHY?

“I can't provide details. It's a personnel matter. It's private between the University and Len, but Len is on leave right now and his last day at UNBC will be September 17^th,” said UNBC Vice President External Relations Rob Van Adrichem, the day after McNamara was given the news.

Now, UNBC can give its rhetorical political responses and possibly suggest the job description is changing; however, I believe the university is evasive in addressing the real question.

During McNamara’s term, he certainly earned some credit for the following:

· A member in the planning and development of the Northern Sport Centre;

· Hosting the 2009 CCAA Men’s National Basketball championship (locals finished 4th);

· Hosting the 2008 BCCAA Men's and Women’s basketball championships (host T’wolves won women's provincial title);

· Hiring UNBC Men’s basketball coach Mike Raimbault;

· Full-fledged membership into BCCAA Men’s and Women’s Soccer; and

· Spearheading and forming a bid committee to join the CIS (final decision in May 2010).

Basketball crowds for some games have exceeded 2,000 fans. Prior to McNamara’s arrival, UNBC sports was a mere blip on the Prince George radar sports screen. Now, the basketball Timberwolves are in a neck-to-neck attendance battle with the Spruce Kings and closing the gap on the Cougars.

I am not suggesting that McNamara is the sole or main reason for UNBC’s rise in the sports world, but it is naïve to suggest, under his guidance, that he does not deserve huge accolades.

I have known Len for approximately 25 years. He is a very proactive individual who is always looking to improve and make things better. He even had a dream to bring CIS hockey to the UNBC. After all, his hockey experience includes four stints with the Spruce Kings. (At age 50, I doubt he will return for a fifth appearance, but you never-say-never). Although hockey will always be his first love, McNamara appreciates and values the many other sports that were fortunate to have his involvement.

Len is an honest, hard working individual who always gave long hours performing duties not necessarily associated with his fancy title of Athletics Director at a University. On basketball game nights, long after the fans, the coaches, and the athletes left, Len thought nothing of sweeping the floors, putting chairs and tables away, and doing whatever else it took to make sure the gym looked in tip-top shape.

Len is a communicator and strong in public relations. He has formed a good relationship with not only the media, but also the public, regardless of how tiny the matter may seem to be. For instance, if PG minor basketball wants to show case its teams during halftime of the UNBC games, Len supported this idea because he realizes one day that grade five or six athlete may end up in a Timberwolves uniform or become a lifelong fan.

Len does not avoid issues, big or small, serious or fun. This is an admirable quality, which is a strong character trait; in other words, he is passionate.

McNamara has garnered the respect of many colleagues, whether they worked under him, or not.

“Len came into UNBC when we were just starting to get some identity. He did a great job of giving us that identity and bringing soccer in, getting the basketball teams organized, getting that sports centre going and at the end of the day he did a good job of putting quality teams on the court. I have the utmost respect for him. It's unfortunate this has occurred,” said UNBC women’s basketball coach Loralyn Murdoch.

“My first reaction was surprise obviously. Len was influential in bringing me out to PG and UNBC and was definitely good to me in the year that we worked together,” concurs Mike Raimbault, who similar to Murdoch, got word of the decision while instructing a basketball camp in Terrace.

I can safely say that Len would not want a column dedicated to him. He continually attempts to think about others first, even though he is a prominent sports figure in the PG community, and he tries to deflect the spotlight elsewhere. Of course, when one is opinionated, like Len can be, not everyone is going to hold you in high regard. Unfortunately, that comes with the territory.

His tenure appears to be over at UNBC and the reality is the public may never get the “REAL” reason for his termination.

Len is a quality, educated individual with strong ethics and character. In other words, he is a “good” guy. I believe that Len is the kind of person that will quickly spring back to his feet because someone, somewhere, will want him on THEIR team.

From the quote rack:

Honolulu is seeking to fine city bus riders with offensive body odour. The transit police enforcing this will be called Hawaii Bee-O.

When informed of a billboard in Wisconsin that advertises a 'buy one, get one free' deal on breast implants, Pamela Anderson replied, 'Do you need a coupon?'

Melanie Oudin was booted from her hotel room after the first week because they didn't expect her to last this long in the U.S. Open. Apparently, the hotel had been recommended to by Anna Kournikova.

In Cincinnati, a woman won a contest by standing and placing both hands on a car for 51 hours. It's good to know--I thought they had arrested another Cincinnati Bengal.Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Stephan Lefors has been asked to take a pay cut of $60,000
because he is no longer the starting QB. No word on if Coach Mike Kelly is losing any money for coaching like an assistant. Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

Brett Favre is currently doing a Wrangler’s commercial, with the tag line “When I think of value, I think of Wrangler, always have.” Stand by for next week, when Favre makes his first appearance for Levis.

In a U.S. Wal-Mart, a man was accused of slapping a crying whining child. I didn’t even know Michael Crabtree shopped at Wal-Mart.

Curt Schilling, with absolutely no political experience whatsoever, has announced he is interested in Ted Kennedy’s former Senate seat. The most common response is “Put a bloody sock in it.”

The SF Giants hit into their first triple play in 11 years. This was particularly shocking to Giants fans. They didn’t realize their team could put two men on base at once.Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

For first time, the Yankees announced that tickets for playoff games will be cheaper than the price of regular season seats. Millionaires throughout the city cheered that they could finally afford a ticket.

Comedy writer Jerry Perisho http://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

A recent article said that Citi Field is suffering from a number of structural defects, including mold, leaks, falling signs, and ruptured tiles. Man, you know you've hit rock bottom when your stadium is day-to-day.

Tragic scene at Citi Field the other day as the K-Rod Bobblehead Doll was placed on the disabled list after suffering a dislocated spring.Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York

A study says that exercise can be better than surgery for heart patients. The best way to get their heart pumping at an elevated rate is to give them the surgeon's bill ahead of time.

Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)

A Malaysian Islamic court sentenced a 32-year Muslim woman to be caned after she was caught drinking beer in a hotel. When asked about the sentence, John Daly said, “Remind me to never stay at that hotel.”

Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon Star Phoenix

And in case, you missed it:

Alexei Kovalev, who signed with the Sens this off-season after five seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, told reporters that he wouldn't mind finishing his career with the Habs. The guy wants out of Ottawa before playing a game. Wow! That beats Heatley's record by four seasons!

Ian Hamilton Regina Leader-Post

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com

Previous Story - Next Story